The Dan Patrick Show (Guest Hosts: Covino & Rich)

Episode: Hour 1 – LeBron Making Sacrifices
Date: February 18, 2026

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this fill-in episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Covino and Rich lead a spirited discussion centered on the sacrifices LeBron James says he’s made to prepare for the NBA season—namely, giving up red wine and chocolate chip cookies. The hosts riff on what foods or vices they could never surrender themselves, share humorous family anecdotes, and relate LeBron’s discipline to broader sports and life themes. The conversation naturally branches into topics of athlete longevity, the realities of making sacrifices for success, and the economics and legacy of stars like LeBron. The show radiates humor, personal storytelling, and the relaxed camaraderie Covino & Rich are known for.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. LeBron’s “Very Loved” Sacrifices

[07:47, 30:18]

• LeBron James recently shared that in preparation for the current NBA season, he decided to “sacrifice” two things he loves deeply: drinking wine and eating chocolate chip cookies.
• He did this after missing the first 14 games and all of training camp, wanting to reset and do something to change his routine.
• LeBron James (played by Danny G, quoting):

  “I actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies. I completely took it out.” (07:56, 30:18)

• He abstained from both for the entire month of November.

Hosts’ Reactions

• The guys marvel and joke about LeBron’s phrasing: “two things I very love.”
• They discuss how hard it is to give up beloved routines—even seemingly small pleasures like cookies.
• Rich Eisen:

  “Giving up alcohol... makes such a difference, bro... I lost 20 pounds this past year... I did nothing but give up alcohol.” (08:42)

• They debate which is harder to sacrifice and launch into nostalgia about their own favorite cookies (Linden’s, Otis Spunkmeyer, Subway cookies, Doubletree hotel cookies).

2. Personal Sacrifices: The Foods and Vices We Won’t Relinquish

[10:14, 14:21, 15:54, 16:57, 19:11]

• The conversation expands: what’s the one thing you could never give up, even for your own health or a pro career?
• Covino and Rich nominate pizza and tacos as foods too dear—to the point they’d rather exercise more than give them up.
• The hosts reflect on regional differences (East Coast pizza pride) and family influences (Uncle Joe, who “will never give up pizza” and runs on the treadmill just to keep eating it).
• Covino:

  “I’ll never give up pizza. I won’t eat it every day, but I’ll never give it up.” (11:02)

• Rich readily admits his “non-negotiable” is sweet, fancy Starbucks coffee—even if it costs hundreds a month during health kicks.

Snack Weaknesses & “The Munchies”

[15:54 – 21:51]

• They talk about irresistible snacks: salt & vinegar chips (Covino calls them “dangerous”), chocolate chip cookies, late-night pantry raids, and the unique agony of eating a child’s or spouse’s reserved treat.
• Rich Eisen (riffing on cravings):

  “There are times where I do that thing...I’ll go and grab like five or six chips 20 different times...who am I kidding?” (20:19)

• The hosts find humor and camaraderie in these confessions, likening snack avoidance to “flirting” with danger.

3. LeBron’s Legacy & The Case for Further Sacrifice

[33:46 – 39:25]

• The hosts dive into LeBron’s rumored openness to staying with the Lakers for a “farewell tour,” and the murky waters of NBA rumors and contract restructuring.
• Covino wonders: Could LeBron sacrifice salary—given his billionaire status—for a shot at more championships and legacy, like Tom Brady did with NFL contracts?
• Covino:

  “If LeBron James really wanted to go out on top ... the guy is a billionaire ... You don’t think LeBron could be like, yo, what if I took the league minimum. And we added another huge piece and I go out a champion?” (36:15)

• Danny G responds realistically:

  “But it ain’t gonna happen. He and his agent aren’t gonna do this. The simple reason is LeBron has been stacking these millions...to own an NBA team.” (36:30)

Legacy Talk

• They discuss what another title (“number five”) would mean for LeBron’s brand, his motivation, and long-term holdings (ownership, endorsements).
• Covino:

  “There’s just so much value of him walking away a winner, or even on a really winning team.” (39:25)

4. Why Athletes Get “Thick” After Retirement

[23:28 – 25:24]

• The guys touch on how, without the daily calorie burn of pro sports, many retired superstars get out of shape fast—and how adjusting eating habits with age is a universal challenge.
• Covino:

  “A lot of your favorite retired superstars become thick...When you are a specimen…you’re allowed to eat trash because you’re burning so many calories...” (23:28)

• Rich Eisen:

  “You can’t eat in your 30s or 40s, 50s, the same way you did in your 20s. You just can’t.” (24:15)

5. Listener Interaction & Humor Breaks

[41:01 – 43:14]

• A caller, Mark from Orlando, shares his Detroit sports loyalty, prompting a quick but enthusiastic look at the current state of Detroit’s teams.
• The trio banter about “things you’ll never give up,” playfully jab at each other’s weaknesses, and display a knack for lively, relatable, and snack-fueled sports radio.

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS

• LeBron (via Danny G, 07:56):

  “I got to sacrifice something, and actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out.”

• Rich Eisen (08:42, on giving up alcohol):

  “It makes such a difference, bro. Such a difference. I lost 20 pounds this past year. You know how? I did nothing but give up alcohol.”

• Covino (11:02):

  “I’ll never give up pizza. I won’t eat it every day, but I’ll never give it up.”

• Rich Eisen (15:26, on snacks):

  “My dad...he gave up late night boozing, right? But you know what he does now? Pints of ice cream every night. And then it’ll be like, yeah, I gave up ice cream...then you see him binging on Fig Newton’s.”

• Covino (36:15, on LeBron taking less money):

  “You don’t think LeBron could be like, yo, what if I took the league minimum. And we added another huge piece and I go out a champion. Isn’t there more value in that?”

• Danny G (36:30):

  “Yeah, but it ain’t gonna happen. He and his agent aren’t gonna do this...his end game: to own a team, and probably in Vegas.”

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |---------------|------------------------| | 07:47–09:08 | LeBron’s sacrifices: audio & reactions | | 10:14–12:15 | What would you never give up? Pizza, cookies, other vices | | 14:13-14:41 | Cookie nostalgia: the best chocolate chip cookies | | 15:54-21:51 | Snack habits, late-night cravings, family stories | | 23:28-25:24 | Athletes after retirement: eating habits & body changes | | 33:46-39:25 | LeBron’s contract, legacy, and the “take less money” debate | | 41:01-43:14 | Caller discussion: Detroit sports talk | | 43:14+ | Wrap up, more banter, tease for next segments (MLB, NFL) |

TONE & STYLE

The episode maintains a laid-back, comedic, and conversational tone, with Covino & Rich riffing off each other, sharing self-deprecating stories, and seamlessly blending food, sports, and lifestyle banter. The original voices’ playful teasing and authentic vulnerability give listeners a sense of camaraderie and relatability—cementing why audience engagement remains high, even when Dan Patrick is off.

SUMMARY TAKEAWAY

LeBron’s willingness to give up “two things I very love” (wine and chocolate chip cookies) becomes the relatable jumping-off point for a spirited debate on sacrifice, indulgence, and what truly matters—both in sports and life. Through humor, nostalgia, and honest reflection, Covino and Rich celebrate the everyday joys that flavor our routines, even while recognizing the disciplined sacrifices greatness sometimes demands. The episode is a reminder that even legends like LeBron have their culinary kryptonite…and that for most of us, there are some things in life we’ll never truly give up.